Replace the lower ball joint on a 2024 Model X Plaid. On this generation the lower ball joint is integrated into the lower control arm assembly — replacement is done by swapping the entire lower control arm. Air suspension must be disabled before lifting.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower control arm assembly (includes integrated lower ball joint) — manufacturer-specified for 2024 Model X × 1 — Tesla OEM front lower control arm — confirm by VIN
• New cotter pin for ball joint nut × 1 — OEM-spec cotter pin
• New steering knuckle pinch bolt × 1 — Single-use pinch bolt — OEM spec

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (negative terminal first). On Model X the 12V is in the frunk, similar position to Model S.
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
5. If at any point you encounter an orange cable, an HV component, or are unsure if a system is de-energized: STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
6. Before disconnecting 12V, use the touchscreen to place the air suspension in Jack Mode (Controls > Service > Jack Mode). This prevents the system from trying to self-level.
7. Chock the rear wheels. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground.
8. Lift the front of the vehicle at the manufacturer-designated jack points using puck adapters and support on rated jack stands.
9. Remove the front wheel on the side being serviced.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and document
   Visually inspect the lower ball joint, control arm bushings, sway bar end link, tie rod, and CV boot. Photograph the area before disassembly. Note any other wear that should be addressed while apart.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar end link from lower control arm
   Hold the sway bar link stud with an Allen key and remove the nut securing the end link to the lower control arm. Swing the link out of the way.
3. 3

   Remove brake/ABS routing as needed
   Unclip the ABS sensor wire and brake hose brackets from the knuckle/control arm only as needed to gain clearance. Do not stretch or kink the brake hose. Support the caliper if it must be moved — never let it hang by the hose.
   ⚠Do not disconnect the brake hose — there is no need to open the hydraulic system for this job.
4. 4

   Release the steering knuckle pinch bolt (upper ball joint / strut connection as applicable)
   Remove the pinch bolt that secures the upper ball joint shank into the steering knuckle, per the manufacturer-specified procedure. Discard the pinch bolt — it is single-use.
   Torque spec

   Pinch Bolt61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove the lower ball joint cotter pin and nut
   Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint stud. Loosen and remove the ball joint nut. Discard the cotter pin.
6. 6

   Separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle
   Use a proper ball joint separator to release the ball joint stud from the knuckle. Avoid striking aluminum components. Once free, swing the knuckle outboard and support it so it does not hang on the CV axle or brake hose.
   ⚠Do not allow the steering knuckle to hang unsupported — this can damage the CV axle inner joint and the brake hose.
7. 7

   Remove the lower control arm
   Support the control arm. Remove the inboard control arm mounting bolts at the subframe and lower the arm out of the vehicle. Note bolt orientation and any alignment cams for reinstallation in the same position.
8. 8

   Compare old and new arm
   Set the old and new lower control arms side-by-side. Confirm ball joint stud length, bushing locations, and mounting hole pattern match. Transfer any retainers/clips from the old arm if required.
9. 9

   Install the new lower control arm
   Position the new control arm and start the inboard subframe bolts by hand. Do not fully torque yet — final torque is done at ride height with the suspension loaded.
10. 10

    Reconnect ball joint to steering knuckle
    Insert the lower ball joint stud into the knuckle. Install the ball joint nut. Torque to the initial spec, then continue tightening (do not back off) to align the slot with the stud's cotter pin hole, then install a NEW cotter pin and bend the legs per standard practice.
    ⚠Two ball joint nut torque values are provided in the verified data: an initial seating value and a final value with new cotter pin. Follow the Tesla Service Manual for the correct sequence.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new pinch bolt
    Install a NEW pinch bolt at the steering knuckle and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Pinch Bolt61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    Reattach the sway bar end link to the lower control arm. Hold the stud with an Allen key while torquing the nut.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reattach ABS sensor and brake hose brackets
    Reseat the ABS wire and brake hose into their factory clips. Confirm there is no contact with rotating or moving suspension components through full travel and full steering lock.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the front wheel. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground so full vehicle weight is on the wheels.
3. Final-torque the control arm inboard bolts at ride height — torquing bushings while unloaded will preload them and cause premature bushing failure.
4. Final-torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern.
5. Reconnect the 12V battery (negative terminal last) and close the frunk.
6. Power up the vehicle. Exit Jack Mode via the touchscreen and allow the air suspension to self-level.
7. Check the touchscreen for any suspension, ABS, or stability-control faults and clear/address as needed.

Verification

• With the vehicle on the ground, perform a suspension bounce/load test and listen for clunks or squeaks from the new ball joint area.
• Confirm no warning messages on the touchscreen related to suspension, traction control, or ABS.
• Perform a low-speed steering lock-to-lock check to confirm no binding, contact, or hose interference.
• Take the vehicle for a short road test and verify the air suspension raises/lowers normally and ride height is even side-to-side.
• Schedule and perform a 4-wheel alignment — required after any control arm or ball joint replacement.
• Re-check the lower ball joint nut and control arm bolts after the first 100–200 miles of driving.
• While the wheels are off, this is also a good opportunity to address Tesla's recommended service intervals: tire rotation every 6,250 mi, brake fluid replacement every 2 years, and (on bioweapon-defense HEPA-equipped Model X) cabin filter every 3 years.

More procedures for this vehicle